What DirectX Version Does Windows 8 Use? DirectX 11.1 or 12 And What Are The Advantages?

Microsoft’s mobile OS titled Windows 8 is not far away, but what version of DirectX will it use and how does it benefit the average user?

Answer: Windows 8 Uses DirectX 11.1

Both Windows 8 Consumer Preview and the latest Release Preview make use of DirectX 11.1 – a version that was released on Feb 29, 2012.

You can check the version of your WDDM using software like EVEREST

Main Advantage: Stereo 3D Rendering And WDDM 1.2

The average joe will appreciate new the Metro UI – at least if he is on a mobile device. That’s where DirectX’s WDDM 1.2 comes into play, because it improves rendering perfomance on mobile devices. Also, DirectX 11.1 adds Stereo 3D supports into the Direct3D API.

So, stereoscopic 3D rendering and video playback are two of the biggest advantages.

Another advantage of the new DirectX version is the new WDDM driver model 1.2. We previously reported what the advantages here, so let’s sum it up:

Improved performance for Direct2D apps

Better performance on mobile platforms

Enhanced shader debugging for devs

Improved rendering algorithms

Buffer managements improved for devs to create better games

When Will DirectX 12 Be Released?

It’s pure speculation, but Microsoft is also planning a successor of their best desktop OS Windows 7

Oliver is the founder and lead editor of this site. He is interested in finding new ways to break Windows, find common errors and help others to fix them. Aside from that, he loves to fully customize systems with Rainmeter and Dreamscene, find out more about ancient civilizations like the Chachapoya, sharpen his digital photography skills and create software with a small group of selected developers. If you would like to connect with him to discuss anything, send him a mail!